Now Medea has written the first general-audience progressive book on Irans history and politics, recounting Irans history from the pre-colonial period through the CIA-engineered coup that in 1953 overthrew the countrys democratic leadership, to its emergence as the only nation (other than Russia, of course) both Democrats and Republicans regularly denounce. Benjamin draws upon her firsthand experiences with Iranian politicians, activists and everyday citizens to provide a deeper understanding of the extraordinary complexities of Iranian society and the national role in the region.

In 1979 the Iranian Revolution brought a Shia theocracy to the 80 million inhabitants of the Middle Easts second largest country. In the decades since, bitter relations have persistedbetween the U.S. and Iran. Yet how is it that Iran has become the primary target of American antagonism, when Saudi Arabia a regime far more repressive has become one of Americas closest allies?

Tackling the contradictions in Irans systEm of government, its religion, and its citizens wayof life, Inside Iran cuts sharply through the inflammatory rhetoric surrounding U.S.-Iranianrelations to present a realistic and hopeful case for the two nations fiuture.

Mickey Huff, Project Censoreds current director, is also president of the nonprofit Media Freedom Foundation. To date, he has edited or coedited eight volumes of Censored andcontributed numerous chapters to these books. In addition, Mickey is athe frequent host of the Project Censored show aired on KPFA Radio.